AAL for 2nd Gen Tacoma?

[deadbeat son]

My 2009 Tacoma DC has the TSB rear springs, but they're still pretty soft for me. When I load up the bed with my band's gear, I bottom out on the highway pretty regularly. Would a full-length add-a-leaf and some firmer shocks help to firm up the ride enough to take care of this? I'd say the gear weighs somewhere around 500-600lbs, plus I have the weight of a Leer shell.

I've been looking at the Toytec AAL. It's supposedly made by Alcan. Is anyone here running this leaf with the TSB springs? If so, how does it handle extra loads, and how does it ride without a load?

 

[ColtonA7X]

My 2009 Tacoma DC has the TSB rear springs, but they're still pretty soft for me. When I load up the bed with my band's gear, I bottom out on the highway pretty regularly. Would a full-length add-a-leaf and some firmer shocks help to firm up the ride enough to take care of this? I'd say the gear weighs somewhere around 500-600lbs, plus I have the weight of a Leer shell.

I've been looking at the Toytec AAL. It's supposedly made by Alcan. Is anyone here running this leaf with the TSB springs? If so, how does it handle extra loads, and how does it ride without a load?

I used to have that exact set up (TSB with toytec add a leaf). It does ride well and handle the extra load decently. But honestly if you are carrying a lot of weight then you might want to consider a beefier leaf pack like the OME Dakars (my current setup).

You are going to have to compromise between whether you want a smooth ride or you want to be able to carry more weight.
Smoother ride = the add a leaf
carry more weight = new leaf pack (potentially a more firm ride, but you could remove one of the overload leafs in the OME leaf pack for a less firm ride yet still carry more weight)

 

[deadbeat son]

Thanks for the feedback. I've considered the OME kit, but I really don't want that much lift. I'm definitely okay with a firm ride, in fact, I prefer it. I only carry this kind of weight once or twice a month on average.

I'd like to keep the height down but increase the load capacity for carrying occasional loads. I was only asking about the ride quality of the Toytec AAL because decades ago I rode in some trucks with shorter AALs that rode like covered wagons.

 

[Applejack]

I ran that exact AAL on my DC Taco for a couple of years and was very pleased with the improvement it made, I added a pair of OME shocks as well and found the combo very good. I rarely hauled as much weight as you are going to haul though, and I do wonder how much and how quick the AAL will wear out. The Dakar packs would do you very well when you are hauling all the weight but you may find them a tad on the harsh side when unloaded.

I say go for the AAL's, they are pretty inexpensive and will be betting than nothing at all, and if you find it's not quite enough you can always upgrade to a full pack later.

 

[Owyhee H]

I agree with those ^^^^ guys.

I am currently using the TSB spring pack with the AAL and I like it quite a bit. It is a little harsh with no load but with the shell and a little load to a lot of load it works well. I also have paired the springs with OME shocks and they seem to be well matched. The AAL is fairly inexpensive and easy to try before you go to full leaf packs.

 

[deadbeat son]

Thanks to both Applejack and Owyhee for the replies.

I think the AAL and firmer shocks sounds like a good interim solution. I want to avoid new spring packs or a complete lift right now. In a year, I'll likely be either adding a FWC to the Taco and will need to address the suspension then, or I will be selling it and buying a FS truck and FWC. I haven't really decided which route I'll take yet.

I can't help but to wonder if an overload leaf or helper springs may be a better option for me than an AAL though? I'm not worried about lift so much as load handling. I know air bags would work well, but I don't know that I really want to mess with them right now.

 

[mikegillam]

Not to highjack the thread....but I have a 2012 DC Off Road. Since there is not spring TSB and I am trying to improve the ride/extra weight handling, am I looking at the correct setup? As it sits now, I have an ARE topper, a DIY bed storage system, dog box (and dog). While it is not often completely loaded, I do take 2-3 others, necessary gear for a week of camping, climbing, kayaking, hunting, etc...While I don't believe this is maxing out the capacity, it does seem to stress it. Not looking for a lift, although I realize an AAL may pop the back 1-1.5". Truck is a daily driver, mostly on road, with off road usually limited to access hunting areas and/or climbing (think some of Colorado easier Jeep trails). Will an AAL combined with 5100s serve my purpose? Should I worry about vibration problems? Thanks.

Pros and cons?

 

[upcountry]

Not to highjack the thread....but I have a 2012 DC Off Road. Since there is not spring TSB and I am trying to improve the ride/extra weight handling, am I looking at the correct setup? As it sits now, I have an ARE topper, a DIY bed storage system, dog box (and dog). While it is not often completely loaded, I do take 2-3 others, necessary gear for a week of camping, climbing, kayaking, hunting, etc...While I don't believe this is maxing out the capacity, it does seem to stress it. Not looking for a lift, although I realize an AAL may pop the back 1-1.5". Truck is a daily driver, mostly on road, with off road usually limited to access hunting areas and/or climbing (think some of Colorado easier Jeep trails). Will an AAL combined with 5100s serve my purpose? Should I worry about vibration problems? Thanks.

Pros and cons?

The vibration problem is a real one. There are many great threads on how to fix it, and not every truck has it. I had it on my 07' dc sb and chased it down finally by rotating the carrier bearing and adding a drop kit. Then I lifted it another inch and never had any more problems.

Check out beef tacos solution to the problem. I'll try to find the thread on fixing it too.

 

[upcountry]

You may want to read through this thread to be aware of the possible:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/153050-just-fixed-driveline-vibration-free.html

And, if you go over about 2" in the front there have been complaints about front differential carrier bearing noise. Suggest also reading this thread:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...nt-differential-bearing-vibration-thread.html

Both of these have been valuable in chasing the vibration demons!!!!!

 

[upcountry]

These guys have some great driveline vibration solutions.

http://stores.streetacos.com/carrier-bearing-brackets/

 

[surlydiesel]

Hellwig Helper Springs. They bolt onto your stock spring pack, they will level out the truck and/or give you back some of the stock stance. I've used them on 3 toyota trucks now and I'm really happy. I usually go with the 1500pound springs and I don't have to crank them down completely. I don't jump my truck or hit dirt washes at 50mph. If you do that kind of stuff, I would get a spring pack. If you want load carrying and leveling and stiffening up the rear end, get the helpers. No air needed.

-jorge


01 Reg Cab Tacoma